CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (18 page)

“Why don’t you just say what’s on your mind
Detective.” I pipe up.

“Yes, please do,” Tristan adds.

She looks at me, then Tristan, then looks
down at her notes. Squaring her shoulders, she looks Tristan directly in the
eyes. “Alright. I’m finding it hard to believe, that a well rounded bachelor
like yourself, would accept that these women would suddenly want nothing more
to do with you, after dating successfully for several months?”

“People change their minds.” Tristan balks.

“No Mr Freeman, you misunderstand.”

“Do I?” He says, his head cocked to the
side again.

“Mr Freeman. I’ve been told you’re a
private man, and that even though you dated these women, it was low key. Not
even your parents knew, is that true?”

“Yes.” He barks. I can tell he’s getting
frustrated.

“And you never thought to question why each
of them just suddenly dropped off the grid?” She asks, frowning inquisitively
at him.

“Are you trying to accuse him of
something?” I say.

“No Miss Stevens. I’m just trying to get
the facts straight.” She says sternly, her look telling me to shut the hell up.
Oops!

“No,” Tristan says. “I never thought to
question it.”

Detective Marsh frowns again. “Am I correct
that they all gave you the same reason for the relationship ending?”

Tristan inhales sharply. “They told you
that?” He breathes.

“Yes. Mr Freeman this is a police investigation,
most people hear that and they quake in their boots. These women were only too
pleased to get it all out, everything that happened, everything that was said.”

“I see,” Tristan says, staring at our
fingers tightly wrapped around one another.

“I’m still finding it hard to believe that
you believed them.” She says.
Is she flirting with him?

“I wasn’t in a position to question it.”
Tristan says. Her lips set into a thin line.

Ok, this is killing me.
Question what?
What do Tristan and the Detective know that I don’t?

“What did Susannah do to them?” I question,
looking from Tristan to Detective Marsh.

Detective Marsh turns to me. “Well, from
what we have been told, each one was pretty much the same. Once Ms Johnson was
aware of their relationship, she became involved. If they called, she would
tell them Mr Freeman wasn’t available, and she wasn’t passing messages on. When
each of them questioned Ms Johnson as to why Mr Freeman hadn’t called them
back, she lied.”

“Lied how?” Tristan questions.

“Mr Freeman, Ms Johnson was very
manipulative. She made herself out to be the one in the middle, she promised
them that she had passed messages on and they believed her. But she also lied
to them, told them you were dating several women behind their backs. Now, this
is where it gets interesting. They all said exactly the same thing, that they
were suspicious of Ms Johnson, yet they continued to date you. Did either of
them approach you about her, ask you anything?”

“No.” Tristan answers.

“Well, when Ms Johnson became aware that
these women were still dating you, after trying to get them to finish with you,
well…she took things to another level.”

“How?” Tristan questions.

Detective Marsh looks uncomfortable again.
“Mr Freeman, do you remember the reasons these women gave you for ending the
relationship?”

“Yes, of course.” He scoffs his cheeks
flaming.

“Ms Johnson put those words there. She
threatened each of them, manipulated each of them into ending it with you.”
Detective Marsh frowns deeply. “The only part I don’t understand is why she
didn’t make her move sooner? She evidently wanted you for herself.”

“Susannah did approach me, but I said no,
that I wasn’t interested.” Tristan says.

“Ah, I see. How long ago was that?” She
questions.

“Years ago,” Tristan says. “Before I dated
any of these women.”

Detective Marsh looks surprised. “You
rejected her, yet she continued to work with you?”

Tristan shrugs. “Yes.”

Detective Marsh brings the pen to her mouth
and starts tapping it repeatedly against her bottom lip. “Hmm, maybe it was
more along the lines of if she can't have you, then neither can anybody else?”
She ponders to herself.

“Detective Marsh, this is all very
interesting. But Coral is still in pain, she should still be in hospital, but…”
He runs his hand through his hair. “You came here to question Coral. I’d like
that over and done with so she can get back to recovering.”

Detective Marsh nods. “Of course Mr
Freeman, we can continue this some other time.”

Tristan nods in approval.
No! I want to
know what was said!

Detective Marsh takes another sip of coffee
and looks directly at me. “So, I know this is going to be difficult Miss
Stevens, but I’d like you to run through the events leading up to Ms Johnsons
attack.” I swallow hard and nod once.

“Take your time,” she adds. I take a deep
breath and start at the very beginning….

FOURTY FIVE MINUTES LATER
and Detective Marsh is still questioning me, she’s being very thorough, but I
don’t see what else I can tell her, and I feel exhausted. I just want her to
go.

“Detective,” Tristan interrupts. “We have a
hospital appointment at 10.30am.”
Crap! I forgot about that!

“I see…” She doesn’t look too pleased.

“Do you have everything you need?” Tristan
asks.

“I do have more questions,” she says. “I
don’t want to leave any stone unturned Mr Freeman.” She explains.

“Yes, well maybe another time,” he says.

“Alright.” She stands places her pen, pad and
notes in her briefcase and shakes Tristan’s hand. “I’ll call you,” she says. Tristan
nods once and then she nods at me. “I hope you feel better soon Miss Stevens,” she
adds.

“Thanks,” I murmur. She smiles softly at
me. Tristan walks around the table and sees Detective Marsh to the front door.
I’m
so glad that’s over!

“Stuart?” Tristan calls as he marches back
over to me. “Come on baby, let’s go,” he says holding his hand out.

“Go?” I question.

“Yes, to the hospital,” he says.

“I’m not going back.” I pout, crossing my
arms.

“Coral, Dr Green wants to examine you, make
sure everything is as it should be,” he explains softly as though he’s speaking
to a child. “And if we don’t get a move on we’re going to be late.”
He’s not
to be argued with and I’m too tired to bother.

I sigh inwardly, pick up the envelope, stand
and walk over to Edith in the kitchen. “Edith, would you mind putting this in
our bedroom for me?”

“Of course,” she smiles. “Pop it on the
counter I’m going up in a moment with some clean washing.”

“Ok…Oh and Rob, Carlos and Bob will be here
at 12, if we’re not back’ – “Not to worry lass,” she says placing her hand on
my shoulder. “You go and get checked out, I’ll make them feel welcome,” she
says.

I nod numbly at her and walk over to
Tristan. “I’m sorry Coral,” he says taking my hand. “But I want to be sure.”

“I know,” I murmur and we silently head towards
the door. “Tristan what was she talking about? What did they all say to you
when they ended it?”

“Later,” he whispers, leaning down to kiss
me.
God damn it!

ARRIVING BACK AT THE HOUSE AFTER
our little trip to the hospital, Tristan picks me up into his arms
again and carries me into the house. Dr Green was great, her examination of me was
very thorough, and I was pleased to be given the all clear. Tristan looked
relieved too.

“Ok?” He asks placing me down on the sofa.

“Yeah, better now I’m home,” I say. “They
should all be here soon, Rob said he was picking Bob up,” I add as the wonderful
smell of a roast dinner wafts towards me.

Just as I think that the doorbell pings.

“Are you sure you want do this now?”
Tristan asks, looking concerned.

“Yes,” I say throwing a fake smile in for
good measure. “Tristan I’m ok, don’t worry.”

“Hard not to,” he says, cocking one eyebrow
up at me. Then leaning towards me he gently pecks me on the lips.

“What were you talking to Dr Green about?”
They seemed to be having another heated debate.

“Nothing,” he says lightly. Then he leans
in and kisses me again, his tongue gently lapping against mine – All thoughts
disappear.

“Get a room!” I hear Rob bellow.

Tristan and I both turn and smile awkwardly
at Rob. He comes bounding over to us, with an ear to ear grin. I notice Carlos is
slowly following with Bob.

“Ready to get this show on the road?” Rob
asks.

“Yes.” I sigh inwardly. I just want to
sleep.

“Marvelous!” He says and sags into the sofa
next to me. “Right, here’s the magazines,” he says placing several in my lap.
“The ones with the coloured tabs are the dresses I’ve chosen, the red tab is
the one I think is the perfect one for you, so you need to go through them and
pick which one you like.”

“And if I don’t like any of the ones you
picked?” I question.

“Then we have to find something else, but
you’re not going to have much choice considering the timeline,” he scoffs.

“I know,” I murmur.

“Have you two sorted your rings out yet?”
Rob says looking from me to Tristan.

“No.” I answer feeling guilty.

“What!?” Rob screeches.

“Rob, Coral is still healing you know. We
had the detective here this morning and then we took Coral for a check-up at
the hospital, she woke up in severe pain this morning.” Tristan informs him in
a not so nice manner.

“Oh…” Rob looks crestfallen. “Sorry,” he
adds looking up at Tristan, who narrows his eyes at him, then storms off into
the kitchen. “I think I’ve upset him,” Rob whispers.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s me he’s mad
at,” I whisper back.

“Oh?” Rob says, frowning down at me. “Is he
being a bastard to you Coral? Because you don’t have to stand for any shit you
know’ – “Hey,” I place my hand on his arm. “Tristan has been wonderful with me
Rob, very sweet, very caring…” I break off and stare at the floor.

“Then why am I not convinced?” he softly
says. He looks worried.

I sigh heavily. And in a moment of pure
clarity, I decide to tell Rob everything – If he knows then maybe he’ll take it
easier on Tristan – I couldn’t stand it if those two hate each other.

“Just go with me on this,” I whisper.

“Huh?” Rob looks confused.

Taking the magazines off my lap, and
getting to my feet I begin. “Edith, how long until dinner?”

“Oh…about thirty minutes,” she says with a
big smile.

I smile back at her. “Ok, thanks.” I walk
over to the table where Carlos and Bob are seated, playing checkers. “Hey, do
you guys mind if Rob and I disappear for a while, wedding stuff…you know?”
Carlos beams at me, but Bob looks a little upset. “Bob, we’ll chat after
dinner. Is that ok?”

He smiles up at me. “Go on then,” he says.

“Thanks.” I lean down and kiss his cheek.
Then I walk over to Tristan who is busy pouring wine for everyone.

He turns and looks at me. “You ok?”

I nod once. “Will you carry me downstairs?
Rob wants to take a look at the gardens, it might be where we have the wedding,
you know outside instead of inside?” Tristan smiles broadly at me, I turn and
wink at Rob who is still looking confused –
Honestly, get with the
programme!

Tristan lifts me into his arms and carries
me down the stairs. I can hear Rob following, once we are in the garden Tristan
releases me. “See you in a while,” he says, softly stroking my cheek.

“I’ll miss you,” I whisper back. I watch
him walk back inside then I turn to Rob.

“What was all that about?” Rob says.

“I wanted some privacy.” I walk over to him
and link my arms in his, we start walking steadily through the garden.

“Ok.” Rob frowns. “Coral, I know you’ve
fallen in love with him. But he is…you know…treating you right?”

“Yes.” I whisper – although he has been
very snappy. “He’s just stressed Rob. I nearly died, and I don’t think he’s
quite recovered from that yet – it’s like he’s been hit with a train. He’s
doing his very best, trying to handle all of this, but he’s worried. He just
wants me to get better, and I haven’t exactly made this easy on him. You know
what I’m like Rob, I always feel like I have to handle everything on my own.”

“So why does he look so serious all the
time? I couldn’t really see you hooking up with a serious dude; you’re too
funny for that Coral.”

I laugh at Rob. “He’s not serious all the
time, and you’re right I wouldn’t get together with someone who had their funny
bone removed. Tristan is funny, he makes me laugh and I make him laugh. You’ll
see, when this all blows over and were both more relaxed, you’ll see how great
he is.” Rob still doesn’t look convinced.

“You’re not just saying that are you?” He
whispers.

I shake my head at him. “Rob, there’s so
many things you don’t know about me. I’m a very lucky woman to have him.”

“Why would you say that?” He asks his eyes
wide.

I stop walking and look up at Rob, then I
take a deep breath and tell him everything. All the things that happened when I
was a kid, why I’m the way I am, why I act the way I do. Of course, he already
knows I see George, but now he knows the reasons why. Then I tell him about
being raped, and how freaked out I am about men, and then I tell him everything
that happened with Tristan, how we met, our conversations, why I feel so lucky
to have him. Then I tell him how I felt about him and Carlos leaving, finding
out about Debs and Gladys, and all the weird stuff that happened with Susannah
– Now I really do feel drained!

“Ok, I think I need to sit down,” he says,
looking around him. There’s no chairs close by, so Rob just sinks down onto the
grass with his head between his knees.

I carefully sit next to him and wait,
patiently, for him to say something.

“Coral…why didn’t you tell me?” I go to
answer him, but he pipes up again. “I can't believe that happened…” he adds,
shaking his head in disbelief. In-fact he looks a little sick!

“Hey, I didn’t say it to freak you out you
know!” I half-laugh.

“No wonder you think he’s an angel, and no
wonder you freaked out so much when you met him.” Rob says.

“I know. Not many men would put up with me
Rob. He’s so patient with me, I…I still feel like I’m dreaming and any minute
now I’m going to wake up,” I say shaking my head.

“Coral, I…I don’t know what to say?” Rob
chokes.

“Hey, you don’t have to say anything – But
I didn’t think you’d have this reaction,” I add.

“Sorry babes, but that was a real shocker!”
Rob whispers.

“Sorry,” I say again. Rob lies back on the
grass and stares up at the sky. “Rob, you and Carlos really are ok aren’t you?”

Rob looks across at me. “Of course we are.
We’re better than we’ve ever been sunshine, don’t worry about us.” He says,
smiling up at me.

“Ok, if you say you’re good, then I won’t
worry. Will you go easy on him now?” I ask.

“Who?” He laughs.

I smile and roll my eyes at him. “Tristan
of course! Rob, I love you, you’re my best friend, but I love Tristan too, so
much, so can you just try to get along with him, for me?”

“I do get along with him, sort off. I just
want him to treat you right.”

“Oh Rob, he does. He really, really does,”
I gush.

“Really? You’re really that happy with him?
I mean, yeah what’s not to like right? He’s successful, minted, handsome…well
actually a very sexy hunk of a man, but all that means fuck all if you don’t
have mutual respect, admiration and love for one another. Do you guys have
that?”

I grin like a fool and nod my head. “Yes,”
I whisper, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat.

“Hey, there’s no need for tears,” Rob
softly says.

“Rob, have you ever seen me cry?” I
question.

He frowns up at me. “Um…no actually, I
don’t think I have – that’s weird?” He adds.

“Freaky fuck up!” I laugh, tapping my head.

He snorts and rolls his eyes at me. “Oh
yeah, you’re a real freak show Coral, what with your perfectly pretty face,
figure to die for and you’re awesome personality!”

My mouth pops open. “Did you…did you really
just say that?” I choke.

“Coral, you may feel like a freak, but I
don’t think you are. I’ve never thought you’re weird or freaky, got issues yes,
but most people have. I think you’re beautiful, inside and out. You are one of
the nicest, funniest, warm hearted people I have ever met, and I choose my
friends carefully – but you already know that,” he adds, smiling up at me.

“Rob!” I squeak, as silent tears begin
cascading down my cheeks –
Fucking tears!
“Sorry, Tristan’s turned me
into a blubberer,” I add, trying to stop the tears.

Rob gets up from the grass, chuckling away
to himself and wraps his arm around my waist. “That’s right, you let it all
out,” he teases, making me giggle-sob. “Howl the whole neighborhood down if you
want to,” he sniggers.

Which makes me howl with laughter instead –
See this is what I love about Rob, he always knows the right thing to say to
cheer me up – As I bounce from laughter to tears and back again, I have a
sudden epiphany. Maybe Rob is right and Tristan is generally a serious kind of
guy? He’s certainly not a joker like Rob, but maybe that’s what attracted me to
him in the first place, his intensity – it really kind of turns me on.

“There, there sunshine,” Rob says, rolling
his eyes at me.

“Hey!” I scold, looking up at him. “Enough
with the sarcasm,” I bite.

His face falls. “Gotcha!” I howl with
laughter at his shocked expression.

Rob gasps in disbelief and mock punches my
leg. I try to stop laughing, but I haven’t felt this light in days, so I let it
take over. Rob soon joins in, and we both fall back onto the grass in a fit of
giggles. In-fact, I’m laughing so hard that my belly is starting to hurt, but
I’m loving it. I don’t know how long we are there for, but it feels like a very
long time…

“Coral?” I look up and see Tristan walking
across the grass to us.

“Rob, you asked if we could hang out, just
us?” I quickly say.

“Yes,” Rob whispers back.

“How’s tomorrow?” I giggle.

“Carlos is out for the afternoon, we’ll
have the place to ourselves. Come over!”

“Done. I’ll be there,” I quickly whisper
back.

Rob helps me sit up, wraps his arm around
my waist and gently squeezes. “You do want this don’t you Coral?”

“I want Tristan Rob, forever. Now, let’s
get back upstairs so you can show me the dress you found.” I say smiling fondly
at my wonderful best friend…

TRISTAN HAS BEEN VERY QUIET TODAY.
I can't help wondering
why as I wave goodbye to Rob, Carlos and Bob. Shutting the front door, I wander
over to him. He’s sat on the sofa, deep in thought as he reads through some
sort of paperwork.

Reaching him, I hold my hand out to him, he
takes hold of it and I sink down next to him.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” I
ask.

“I have a function to go to this Friday, I
wanted you to come with me, but I don’t think it’s a good idea at the moment,”
he says, his brow furrowed.

“A function?” I question.

“Yes, an associate. It’s his 90
^th
birthday, his wife’s organized a surprise birthday party for him.”

“That sounds nice, I’d love to go with
you,” I say.

His lips press into a hard line. “Coral, how
many times do I have to say, I don’t want you overdoing it.”

“I don’t think sitting at a table, eating
food, and drinking wine is overdoing it,” I argue.

“You want to come?” He asks.

“Of course I want to come,” I tell him. “I
want to do all those things with you Tristan.” He frowns at me again. “Are you
going to tell me what’s really wrong?” I huff.